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Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home - Egypt location

7501 Pittsford-Palmyra Road

Fairport, New York

Douglas Kessler Obituary

Kessler, Douglas Keith

Pittsford: At age 83 died on October 7, 2015. He was born in Boonville, NY. He was educated at Oswego State, received a B.S. and Masters in Technology. In 1963 he was married to Sandra Schoeneck Kessler who passed away in 2005. They had 3 boys together. He leaves behind his children, Hans, Joel (Kelly) and Eric (Diane). He also leaves behind a dear loved friend and partner, Fran Wittig; 6 grandchildren, Drew, Elizabeth, Acadia, Merrick, River and Sailor; brother, Lynn; sisters, Rea and Donna; along with numerous close family, friends and relatives. Doug served in the Army following WWII. When he returned home, he taught Mechanical Drawing and Shop at Pittsford High School. He also taught graduate classes at RIT. Doug coupled his passion of teaching with another lifetime interest, skiing. He founded the Colonial Mountaineers Ski Club for high school students, making their first cross country skis by screwing sneakers to skis. He was the founder of the Monroe County Ski League of which he served as Chairman of Section 5 of NYS. The league included cross country and alpine skiing. As an avid lover of the outdoors, Doug spent a lifetime gardening, hunting and working with horses but he was best known for making friends and bringing a smile to people's faces. He was always there to help fix anything at his workshop.

Calling hours, Sunday 3-6 PM at Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home, 7501 Pittsford Palmyra Road (Egypt location, Fairport). Funeral Mass, Monday 10 AM at St. Catherine of Sienna Church (Mendon). Private burial. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Serenity Hospice House, 1278 Brace Rd., Victor, NY 14564 who provided him with loving support and service at the end of his life.



To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Rochester Democrat And Chronicle from Oct. 9 to Oct. 11, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Douglas Kessler

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Gary. W. Brown

October 3, 2024

You were a class act Mr. Kessler! May you rest in peace!

Eldridge Bravo

September 23, 2024

As a student at Pittsford Sutherland High School from 1974-76, I had the pleasure and privilege of meeting and leaning from Mr. Kessler. He was my instructor for both Mechanical Drawing And Shop. He was an outstanding teacher and really knew hot o connect with his students. He inspired me to draw and I nearly on a career in architecture due to his encouragement. He was humorous, dedicated and most of all inspiring as a teacher of young people. I remember him well as one of my favorite teachers of all time!

Aaron Kessler

October 3, 2023

Getting ready for another Colorado Elk hunt this year and remember all the fun times and adventures we had hunting together.

Gary Brown, PCS `68

October 3, 2023

Mr. Kessler you were a class act. Thank you for enhancing my PCS education!

Gary Brown

October 3, 2020

He was one of the best at PCS! Rest In Peace Mr Kessler.

Beth Carey- Raup

October 13, 2015

To the Kessler Family. Please except all our heartfelt sympathies for your loss and know our thought are with you all and your families during this difficult time.

Elisa Benzoni

October 13, 2015

Doug was always so cheerful and welcoming. He brought a smile to anyone who saw him. We were all so blessed to have known him. He will be forever cherished in the Benzoni Family's hearts.

October 12, 2015

What a great legacy you leave for our ski community...I'm forever grateful. Prayers for the family Laurie Grover (Penfield skier)

Bob & Mary Anne Tucker

October 11, 2015

Hans, deepest sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your beloved father.

Elva and Rhett Smith

October 11, 2015

Our sincere condolences to the Kessler family and to our dear friend Fran. We were truly blessed in having known Doug if for a short time. Sincerely, Rhett and Elva Smith.

Lori Ashley

October 11, 2015

My mother sent along news of Mr. Kessler's passing, and the Prudom family sends its sympathies and regards. Mr. Kessler taught us to drive and apparently did a very good job! Blessings to his family and friends and all hail to a live well lived.

Lori (Prudom) Ashley

October 11, 2015

My mother sent along news of Mr. Kessler's passing, and the Prudom family sends its sympathies and regards. Mr. Kessler taught us to drive and apparently did a very good job! Blessings to his family and friends and all hail to a live well lived.

Lori Ashley

October 11, 2015

My mother sent along news today of Mr. Kessler's passing, and the Prudom family sends its sympathies and regards. Mr. Kessler taught us to drive and apparently did a very good job! Blessings to his family and friends and all hail to a live well lived.

Barbara Cmaylo Martin

October 11, 2015

I'm unable to attend calling hours, but wanted to express my condolences to your family. Doug was a wonderful guy. It was a pleasure having him in the family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Lynn, Kessler

October 11, 2015

your free now , experiencing the next big adventure , will miss, all our times together . I am happy you are finally at peace , all my love.

Gary W. Brown

October 10, 2015

A class act all the way! Thank you for being part of my life Mr. Kessler while at PCS.

Tracy H

October 10, 2015

He always made me smile. Such a kind heart and soul. I'm a better person for knowing him.

Stephen Kruse

October 10, 2015

Mr. Kessler got me interested in drawing at Pittsford High, which led to my work today. A great guy and an inspiration to many students. He even used to pick me up hitchhiking! My condolences to his family.

Robert Clarke

October 10, 2015

Thanks for all you taught me in drafting class.You were the best teacher i ever had in life.God bless you Doug.

October 10, 2015

He was a very special man. My sincere condolences to all you family.
Dick Heffron

Brian Cummins

October 9, 2015

So sorry to hear this. Loved having Mr. Kessler as coach for the ski team. Great memories.

Tom Vogt

October 9, 2015

Many memories with Doug and his boys. (Hans, Joel and Eric).

Frank & Sadie Organ

October 9, 2015

We knew of you for only a few short years but you were a life time friend and will always be one of our great memories. Bless you.

October 9, 2015

He was such a big part of our family. We will love and miss him so much but at the same time so blessed to have shared so many memories with him.Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.Anne,Kaylie,Tyler,Paige

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Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home - Egypt location

7501 Pittsford-Palmyra Road, Fairport, NY 14450

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